ELNA FOURIE

Chapter Nine of the National Development Plan (NDP) outlines educational objectives that must be achieved by 2030 if South Africa is to succeed as a nation.

In its introduction, the chapter asserts that: “Education, training and innovation are central to South Africa’s long-term development. They are core elements in eliminating poverty and reducing inequality, and the foundations of an equal society. Foundational skills in areas such as mathematics, science, language, the arts and ethics are essential components of a good education system. Lifelong learning and work experience improves productivity, enabling a virtuous cycle that grows the economy.”

According to the NDP, if we as a nation are to overcome the legacy of apartheid, and previously – and some would argue, currently – disadvantaged communities, it is essential that everyone has access to education at a high standard, regardless of who they are and where they live.

The NDP’s vision for education and training is to ensure that all children have the benefit of a high-quality education – especially in languages, maths and science.

The NDP further asserts that, in addition to universities playing a key role in developing a

nation, other organisations such as science councils, non-governmental and privately funded research institutes, state-owned enterprises (SOCs), the private sector and government departments have also become sites of new knowledge production and application. In taking heed of this call, SANRAL, as a key partner in realising the NDP’s vision, has an ongoing commitment to

research and education, training young people with skills that are much needed for the South African economy. Our commitment to identify

and nurture the skills of the next generation of engineers and scientists is reflected through our ongoing programmes that seek to invest in research and education.

We continue to strengthen our partnerships with institutions of higher education and training as part of our

efforts to promote interest among young people in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths. More recently, in August last year, SANRAL hosted a career development convention for young learners in Port Elizabeth. Called Indlela Yam, My Way, the convention seeks to promote career development for learners and to expose them to the various professions the roads and transport industries.

The various investments in research and education SANRAL has made over the past 19 years have grown year after year. SANRAL is indeed preparing our youth for life and will continue to do so for many years to come.

At SANRAL we are passionate and committed towards making long-lasting investments into the youth, as well as guaranteeing a bright future for them.